Long Live Pakistan!

Pakistan is 78 today. It is a moment of pride and celebration that a country carved out in the name of emancipation has come a long way, and is a power to be reckoned with. It has many feathers in its cap — the sole Muslim nuclear power; a resilient nation of 245 million, constituting an enterprising 125 million youth; and a landmass rich with bounties of nature. Thus, as we cherish independence, it's time to salute the Founding Fathers of the nation whose selfless devotion and struggle realised a state for the Muslims of South Asia. At the same time, our hearts bow out for those who endured the pain of the partition and sacrificed their kith and kin but stood fast for the dream of an independent homeland. Last but not least, today is the day to pay homage to all those who are fighting the menace of terrorism in order to safeguard the sovereignty of the homeland.

As we pledge to take the country to new heights of success, the fundamental aspect we must focus on is social-cohesion and political stability. This is where we are in troubled waters, and have resultantly amassed economic uncertainty and downslide. The objective resolution for this year's Independence Day should be to do away with misgivings and work for rule of law and supremacy of the Constitution. This is where all our ailments rest. Pakistan as a democratic polity is in dire need of stability and consensus, and the onus rests with political parties to lead from the front and undo the creeping sense of otherness.

The challenges are daunting and the foremost is to fight terrorism, build a sound economic edifice, further the opportunities of connectivity in the region and thus stand tall among the comity of nations. This year's jubilations have a special fervour as the nation takes contentment in recalling the glorious pushback that it delivered to the aggressor in the four-day war in May. This delight must graduate into political solidarity in all forms and manifestations and marginalisation must come to an end. Happy Independence Day! Long Love Pakistan!